Need recommendations

[afxtwin]

Hey folks,

I've managed to keep my mind free of these kinds of thoughts for awhile, but they are back again.

The background.

About 10 years ago (when I was about 17) I discovered a lump on the right. I went to the family doctor, was told to monitor it, and come back in a month. If nothing changed, I was told not to worry about it. Nothing changed. The doctor said it was likely a ___ cyst (forget the name)

Over the course of that time nothing changed, though since the beginning I also would have infrequent very dull pain in the opposing testicle (I also have vericocele there too) I assumed the pain was due to unusual sitting/sleeping positions, due to pressure from the thighs, etc. By infrequent, I mean roughly once a month for 30 mins to an hour, sometimes 2-3 times a month.

Today: I discovered a second lump on the other testicle. I feel very uncomfortable about this. I plan to see a doctor to get an examination. I don't think I will feel comfortable if the doctor simply says "you'll be alright just monitor it" with a strategic "probably" thrown in to cover his *ss. I want to push for an ultrasound.

Questions
1) I'm on a high deductable health coverage plan, so I would like to skip the whole "see a family doctor" business and go straight to a specialist. The question is, what kind of specialist do I ask for? A urologist, or what? (am I going to be forced to see a family doctor first? I feel in this case, it will not be time and money well spent)
2) Do you think with my previous history I can get what I want in this case?

I lost my sister-in-law last year from Gastric Cancer. If you're familiar with that you'll know that it is a tough diagnosis and tougher treatment, several "lesser" diseases have the same symptoms. Her doctors never considered cancer at the time and I can't help but wonder if the situation could have been different if her doctor considered everything in the years leading up to her cancer diagnosis. That is where I'm coming from. (Yes, I know the treatability between the two are vastly different, but it really does make you think)

Thanks for any thoughts and recommendations.

[dadmo]

The doctor that you want to vist is a urologist he/she will examine you in the office and if anything seems wrong you should be sent for an ultrasound. In your case with known lumps I would push for an ultrasound just to find out what's wrong. What the ultrasound will thell the doctor is if the lump is solid or fluid filled. If it's solid you have a chance it's cancer, most likely they will tell you that it's a cyst which isn't life threatning but may cause it's own problems.

[afxtwin]

The doctor that you want to vist is a urologist he/she will examine you in the office and if anything seems wrong you should be sent for an ultrasound. In your case with known lumps I would push for an ultrasound just to find out what's wrong. What the ultrasound will thell the doctor is if the lump is solid or fluid filled. If it's solid you have a chance it's cancer, most likely they will tell you that it's a cyst which isn't life threatning but may cause it's own problems.

Thanks for the help, that's what I will do. Though I have decided to wait a little longer. A search has told me to expect about $500-$700 for an ultrasound test. Not too excited about that due to my high deductable coverage, but the wife will be starting work in June so we'll be able to choose an HMO service then. I think as long as I'm attentive, inspect weekly, and that nothing changes, I think it will be ok to wait until then. Both lumps are located toward the top and slightly rearward, where I would expect for a spermotocele, one of which has been around for awhile. Is that a stupid decision? I think as long as I'm careful I will be ok.

[Already Bald]

I think you are crazy to wait

Thanks for the help, that's what I will do. Though I have decided to wait a little longer.

afxtwin,
I understand your concern about the costs associated with being healthy, but nothing is worth more than life.
I think you should call your insurace company and tell them your concern about skipping the primary visit (after all, they will save money too). In any case, get yoursely to a urologist, and tell them you can't afford an Ultrasound.
Do anything but wait until June.